Swimming apparatus



G. P. HOFFMANN SWIMMING; APPARATUS septn 25, 192s. 1,685,083

Filed sept. 28, 192'? ff- J3 A TT ORNE Y lil-HWI YPatented Sept. 25, y19Z8- i Y UNITED STATES PATENTfoFFIcE.

GEORG PAULHoPrMANN, or 'BRooKLYlm NEwYoRK.

SWIMMING APPARATUS.

The main object of this invention isto provide a swimming apparatus which is'used in pairs and is worn on each side ofthe body above the thighs.v The invention consists of a frame which is tightly strapped tothe torso and consists of lins which are reciprocated back and forth by a kicking movement of the legs to which the apparatus is connected, through means of thongs. I Y

The above and other objects will become apparent in the description below, inpwhich characters of reference refer to like-named parts inthe drawing. j I

Referringpbriefly to the drawing, Figure l1 is an application of the swimming apparatus to the body of a person.

Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevational viewfof the same. j

Figure 3 is a top plan view of Figure 2. Figure 4 is an end elevational view of Figure 2.

Referring in detail to the drawing, the numeral 10 indicates an expanse of textile material, such as canvas or the like, which is formed into a vest and is draped over the shoulders, and covers the upper portion of the body up to the diaphragm; The. lower end of this vest is securedby rivets or the like to a bar 11 which forms a portion of the frame on which the swimming device is mounted. An adjacent parallel bar 12'is connected to the bar 11 but is separated from the latter by a channel 13. The lower end of a lever 14 is slipped into the channel 13 and a pin 15 which passes thru the bars '11 and 12 pivotally secures this lever in the channel. A pair of semi-rigid fins 16 and 17, having a sleeve 18, are slipped over the'free end of this lever, the .sleeve receiving said lever, as indicated in Figure 3. These fins normally converge toward each other and are capable of being slightly flexed, being formed of such material which will permit such flexibility, celluloid or the like beingdesirable. Near the opposite frame the lower end of an arm 19 is-pivoted ona pin 20 in the channelv 13. This arm is connected to a foot bracelet 21, which is worn on both feet of the swimmer, by a thong 22.v The arm 19 operates m unison with lthe lever 14 andcis connectedk thereto 1n arallel relation, byV a connecting rod 23.

The lever 14 is normally urged and retained in angular position facing toward the front l `f Y of theframeby a coiled spring 24, which is connected, at its opposite ends, tothe lever and iframe. Web girdles 25, which are adapti z V1,685,083

ed to encircle the body, are secured to the 'i frame bar 11 intermediate its lengthand is adapted to further aid in assisting thevest in securely positioning the swimming device on the body.

This swimming apparatus is adapted to be used by a swimmer who finds it convenient and comfortable to propel himself in the water by kicking of the feet. The swimmer lies prone Iupon his back with the device strapped in position by the girdle 2`5'and the vest 10. By bending and straightening the legs 26 a kicking motion of the legs is brought about. Kicking of the legs causes the thongs 22 to be pulled when the legsrare fully extended, and pulling upon the thongs causes the arm 19 to bel rotated forwardly. arm consequently pulls the lever 14 forwardly against the tension of the spring 24 and the water being baflied by the converging fins 16 and 17 propels the swimmerforwardly with ease and comfort.

Itis to be noted that certain changes in form and construction may be made without frame, Vand means for swinging said fins to and fro, an arm pivoted in said frame and a thong adapted to be connected to the Vfoot of a swimmer for moving said fin, a lever, a connecting rod joining lsaid arm and lever, and means for` normally retracting said tins.

2. A swimming apparatus comprising a vest, ai girdle, al frame attached tovsaidl vest and girdle, depending fins pivoted in said frame, and Vmeans for swinging said fins to and fro, an arm pivoted in said frame and a thong adapted to be connected to the'foot of a swimmer for moving saidvn, a'lever, a connecting 'rod joining said arm and/lever,

a spring connectedV to said frameand levery Thisfor urging said lever forwardly, said lfins converging toward the direction of-trayelf.

In'testimony whereofl aliix myv signature.

Gaone PAUL noriairaini.I i 

